Abstract

There has been widespread support for harm reduction programs as an essential component
for responding to the HIV and illicit drug use epidemics. However, despite the growing
international acceptance of harm reduction, there continues to be strong opposition
to this approach, with critics alleging that harm reduction programs enable drug use.
Vancouver, Canada provides a compelling case study that demonstrates that many positive
impacts of harm reduction can be attained while addiction treatment-related goals
are simultaneously supported. While the evidence for harm reduction is clearly mounting,
it is unfortunate that ideological and political barriers to implementing harm reduction
programs in Canada remain. As evidenced by Vancouver and elsewhere, harm reduction
programs do not exacerbate drug use and undermine treatment efforts and should thereby
occupy a well-deserved space within the continuum of programs and services offered
to people who inject drugs.